Our Mission and Values
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps offers women and men an opportunity to work for justice and peace. It sends Jesuit Volunteers for a year or more to live with and serve the poor and marginalized in the U. S. and developing countries. JVs live simply, in community, immersed in Ignatian Spirituality. The experience opens the JVs to be conscious of the poor, attuned to the causes of social injustice, and dedicated to service informed by faith. JVC helps Former Jesuit Volunteers nurture this orientation throughout their lives.
Our organization is based on four core values:
Spirituality
The Jesuit Volunteer Corps is guided by the principles of Ignatian spirituality — named for St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesuit, or the Jesuits.
One of the core principles of Ignatian spirituality is to strive to find God in all things and all people. Jesuit Volunteers are called to be "contemplatives in action" and reflect on God's presence in their work and in the relationships they form with others.
JVs are exposed to new ways of meeting God and grow in their understanding of how to respond to the Gospels. With spiritual advisors, staff-organized retreats, community spirituality nights, and other resources, JVs grow in their relationships with one another and with God and animates their desire to work for justice ad majorem Dei gloriam, for the greater glory of God.
Simple Living
Jesuit Volunteers are asked to live a lifestyle that is more than just thrifty, it's a change in focus.
With a modest monthly stipend, JVs are encouraged to eliminate many of the worldly distractions that come with material possessions. They spend more time on interpersonal relationships, developing their creative talents, and introspection.
The community houses are often located in lower-income neighborhoods, which exposes JVs to the daily realities of living on the margins of society. This lifestyle shift helps JVs learn to live in solidarity with those they work and to accompany them on their journey for peace and justice.
Community
Jesuit Volunteers live together in group households to support one another through the successes and challenges they face during their time together.
Guided by Christian principles that all are called to be God's beloved community, JVs are united by their faith and desire for justice. By creating a weekly menu, organizing a weekend hike, discussing their jobs, and praying together, JVs renew and encourage each other to continue their work.
The lessons learned through intentional community often stay with Former Jesuit Volunteers after their
full-time commitment is over. Not only do they willingly give support to their former community mates, but other FJVs, neighborhood groups, local faith groups, and organizations working for peace and justice.
Social Justice
Jesuit Volunteers have the opportunity to directly change lives by being women and men for others.
By connecting with disenfranchised people through work and in the community, JVs gain a greater understanding of some of the systemic causes of injustice. People living on the margins of society become real, not just statistics. The lessons of the Gospels take on new gravity and importance.
JVs are forever changed by their day-to-day work for social justice. Former Jesuit Volunteers continue to live ever-conscious of the people they met and often continue to advocate for change long after their JV years have passed.
You can read more about social justice and the Catholic Church in the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
